William Shackelford Jr.

Affectionately known as "Sonny Boy" and raised on a cotton farm near Levelland, TX, Bro. Bill graduated from Whitharral High School in 1953, West Texas State College in 1958, Southwestern Theological Seminary in 1965, and received his doctorate in 1977. He had been a Central Valley resident since 1972.

Bro. Bill was passionate about preaching the gospel and pastored Southern Baptist Churches in Texas and California for over thirty-five years, occasionally teaching school as well. Dubbed 'The Singing Preacher,' Bill loved singing the old hymns in his rich baritone voice. He often said he would sing at the drop of a hat and brought his own hat. All together, he sang and preached for over 50 years. He was faithful to the end, an encouragement to many in his new environment as a resident of Pacific Gardens. Looking forward to his new life with Christ, Bro. Bill was content and rational until a few hours before leaving us.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Jan Baker Shackelford; three daughters and sons-in-law, Darren and Karen Howerton, Robert and Karla Chandler, and David and Karey Thornton; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five kissing cousins and their families in Texas and two in California, and many friends from churches where he served and schools where he taught in both Texas and California.

A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, December 20, 2010 at 10:00 am.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to The American Bible Society or Gideon's International.